Overview
The complaint concerned the way in which the Council dealt with the complainant's representations about unauthorised development at a neighbouring house.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Council failed to do enough to encourage the developer to submit retrospective planning and building warrant applications (not upheld);
- (b) the Council failed to consider Mrs C's objections properly and in accordance with their stated procedure (partially upheld);
- (c) although the application was contentious, it was dealt with under delegated powers, contrary to Council guidelines (not upheld); and
- (d) the Council failed to consider this retrospective application in the same way as other, more timely, applications (not upheld).
Redress and Recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the Council apologise to Mrs C for failing to adhere to their stated aim of responding to objections within two working days and to emphasise the importance of this to staff.